Common questions and concerns

Can I drop my ballot off in person instead of mailing it back?

Yes. You may bring your ballot to the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S. Sixth St. MC 102, or St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., during the early voting hours or before 3 p.m. on Election Day. Do not bring a completed absentee ballot to your polling place on Election Day.

Can I drop off another voter’s ballot?

Yes. You can drop off ballots for up to three other voters. You will need to show identification with name and signature when returning a ballot for someone else.

Can I drop off my ballot at my polling place on Election Day?

No. This is not allowed under state law. Election judges are not able to take your absentee ballot and will redirect you to city hall.

If you are already at your polling place, a good option to ensure your vote is counted is to check-in, get a new ballot and put it directly into the ballot counter. You can then destroy the absentee ballot you received.

Can I still vote in person if I want to?

Yes. You can vote early in person at city hall during the early voting period, or you may vote in person at your polling place on Election Day.

However, voters who choose to vote in person should expect longer than normal wait times and possible lines. Additional procedures have been implemented to keep workers and voters socially distant, safe and healthy, and these mean that average processing times have increased significantly.

Can I vote from my car (curbside)?

Yes. Curbside voting is available for those that cannot leave their vehicle or have trouble entering a polling location. Keep in mind this process can take time and requires two election workers. If you are able to vote by mail or in person at your polling place, we encourage you to do so because it will be a faster experience.

How do I know the ballot I mailed in was counted?

All votes that are lawfully and properly cast by eligible voters are required to be counted by law. It does not matter if they were received in person or by mail.

I want to vote by mail. How does it work?

If you would like to vote early by mail, you will need to first complete a paper or online absentee ballot application to request that a ballot be mailed to you. For more detailed instructions, view the early voting page.

What are you doing to prevent COVID-19 transmission in polling places?

The health and safety of our community is our top priority.

You can help us protect each other when you go to vote by following the recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Elections staff is committed to regularly reviewing CDC guidance, consulting with the city's emergency management coordinator and researching how other communities are holding elections in the current environment to determine best practices that can be implemented at our polling places and during early voting at city hall. Additionally, we are regularly asking voters what protective measures they would like to see during in-person voting on Election Day.

Currently, our plan is to provide protective equipment for elections workers, regularly sanitize all surfaces and provide takeaway single use pens. Voters in line will be asked to maintain at least a 6-foot separation at all times and are encouraged to wear a mask when visiting a polling place or city hall to vote.

What is the deadline to return my ballot by mail?

You must return your ballot by mail so it arrives at the Hennepin County Government Center or St. Louis Park City Hall by 3 p.m. on Election Day. If your ballot is not received by the deadline on Election Day, it will not be counted as per Minnesota Election Law. For more information on voting early by mail, view the early voting page.

Why should I vote by mail?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends voting by mail for all 2020 elections to avoid exposure to COVID-19. You can vote by mail to avoid direct contact with poll workers and other voters. Learn about the CDC's recommendations for election polling locations.

However, we understand that not all voters can participate by mail, and we are prepared to provide a safe voting location for in-person service during the early voting period at city hall and on Election Day.

Will my ballot count as long as it is postmarked by Election Day?

No. The only way your ballot will count is if it is received by 3 p.m. on Election Day. Postmarks are not used in Minnesota to determine if your ballot will be counted. It must be physically received by an election official by 3 p.m. on Election Day at the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S. Sixth St. MC 102, or St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd.

Will polling places be open on Election Day? Will any be relocated?

Yes. We plan to open all polling locations on Election Day.

In the event of an emergency, such as a sudden poll worker shortage, polling locations may need to be moved. As soon as we are aware of any polling location changes, we will inform you by all available means. Some changes may occur well in advance of Election Day, and some changes may occur right before. For this reason, be sure to check your polling location before you go to vote. The best way to do this is by subscribing to regular email elections updates from the city, following the city on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @stlouispark) or by visiting the main elections page before you leave to vote on Election Day.